What's the big deal?
(Cederling Fox candid moment)
John Heard mesmerized!
A "Word Theatre" presentation started off light and innocent enough on the - etc. stage - late this afternoon at the Los Angeles Festival of Books on the UCLA campus.
For example, Tess Harper read a delightful piece of literature about a relationship between a mother and son, which was well-received by the rapt audience.
But, the live stage performance turned ugly when actor Omar J. Dorsey (Blind Side) stood before the mic, and suddenly began hurling shocking expletives in all their vulgar capacity into the theatre space.
The reaction from some parents was swift and severe.
"There are children here, you mother****er!"
Instead of taking a moment to admit the inappropriateness of the material - or apolgoize - Mr. Dorsey proceeded to exhibit a disturbing lack of sensitivity.
What was his angry response?
"Forget about it!"
He plunged on unphased.
I was stunned, frankly.
When Cederly Fox, the Artistic Director for "Word Theatre" returned to the stage at the end of the actor's reading, I was on the edge of my seat.
Would she ignore the incident?
"Sorry about the expletives," she grimmaced.
Then, without skipping-a-beat, she uttered up a comment that put the spotlight on her lack of professionalism.
"But, it's an adult show," she shrugged in defense.
What an arrogant bit**!
Her flimsy excuse, in view of the circumstances, was total bullsh**.
For example, the show was presented on a main stage at the entrance to the UCLA campus.
At four in the afternoon, the questionable material was being broadcast over a handful of speakers, and falling on the ears of Festival guests (largely comprised of parents and children) a hundred-or-so feet in all directions (at a minimum).
Notwithstanding, it should be noted that there weren't any notices posted - warning parents that the "adult material" (as Fox described it) - might not be suitable for children.
The fact the dizzy broad thought that Dorsey's blue performance was acceptable (duh!) underscored that the inexperienced low-life has no common sense, all the intelligence of a worm, and a lack of discernment in respect to artistic license in a given setting.
I trust that the Los Angeles Times will review tomorrow's material, and weed out unacceptable language, to ensure young children and their parents are not subjected to this kind of filth again.
Obviously, the organizers of - "etc. stage" - aren't going to bother!
As a major sponsor, the daily newspaper owes that to the community, in my estimation.
In spite of the Dorsey shocker, the event ended on an upbeat note.
John Heard, one of my favorite actors, mesmerized the audience with his interpretation of a piece on "crows".
In contrast the other actors, Mr. Heard's style was natural and believable.
In fact, with great ease, he managed to give the impression that he was in a private conversation with each and every member of the audience.
His relaxed, easy-going approach to the hilarious literature, was certainly bang on.
Few actors - Richard Burton was one - are capable of accomplishing that in one fell swoop!
As to the rest of the Festival, well, it was a high point of my week.
I will be reporting on some of the events in a post later this evening.
For those of you planning to attend tomorrow (Sunday) I have some tips on where to purchase reasonably-priced snacks and drinks (lemonade on the main concourse goes for $5.00 pop!) for those on a budget.
There will be info on which booths are giving out free books!
And, a run-down on stage performances in the line-up tomorrow.
Los Angeles Opera (free!) anyone?
Later!
Omar's vulgar language incited anger at family outing!
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